TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Despite calls to apologize by Florida's governor, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is standing by his comments that the state's struggle with the Trayvon Martin case can be compared to the civil rights clashes during the 60s in Selma, Ala.

Jackson joined protesters at the state Capitol this week, and called Florida the "Selma of our time."

But Jackson says Florida's voting laws, its figures on juvenile crime and the disproportionate number of blacks in prison, reveal differences between blacks and whites, which can be viewed as apartheid-like conditions.

Jackson says instead of fighting the governor, he'd rather work with him to change policies like the "stand your ground" law.

Jackson spent time this week in Tallahassee with a group upset with the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial. They've refused to leave the Florida Capitol until Scott calls a special session and asks legislators to overhaul the state's self-defense laws.

Scott so far has refused the request.

The Chicago-based veteran activist criticized the state as the "Selma of our time" and made a comparison of Scott to former Alabama Gov. George Wallace. Selma was the site of civil rights protests and clashes with police during the 1960s.

Bishop Tavis Grant is national field director for Jackson's Rainbow PUSH coalition. Grant says there's no need for an apology.

Jackson spent time this week with a group upset with the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial. They've refused to leave the Capitol until Scott calls a special session and asks legislators to overhaul the state's self-defense laws.

Scott so far has refused the request.

The veteran activist criticized the state as the "Selma of our time" and made a comparison of Scott to former Alabama Gov. George Wallace. Selma, Alabama was the site of civil rights protests and clashes with police during the `60s.

Scott in a release blasted Jackson's comments as "reckless" and "divisive." He says that Jackson should apologize for his remarks, which he also called insulting.

Press Release: Governor's Office

MIAMI, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott released the following statement in response to remarks from Jesse Jackson who yesterday called Florida “the Selma of our time.” Jackson has also referred to Florida as the “Apartheid State.”

Governor Rick Scott said, “Jesse Jackson owes every Floridian an apology for his reckless and divisive comments. It is unfortunate that he would come to Florida to insult Floridians and divide our state at a time when we are striving for unity and healing.

Floridians are a strong, resilient people. We are fortunate to live in a great state where all Floridians enjoy opportunities to get a great job and a world-class education.”

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